Conectar
by Bwambale Jonani, Emmanuel Charles Kasule, Bwire Roman Herman, Joel Fredrick Arturo, Mwesigwa Calvin Mugambwa, Ssebulime Stephen, John Bosco Mundaka, Richard Kwizera, Gerald Mboowa, Felix Bongomin
IntroductionSickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a significant genetic disorder in Africa; however, comprehensive data on its prevalence and geographic distribution remain limited. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of SCA (HbSS) in African populations and examine regional, demographic, and temporal variations from 1994–2024.
MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and BASE databases for studies reporting SCA prevalence in African populations. Screening and quality assessments were performed using JBI tools. A random-effects meta-analysis with logit transformation was performed, with subgroup analyses by region, age, sex, and study design. Meta-regression explored heterogeneity sources, including geographic region, age category, diagnostic method, study design, and publication year.
ResultsFrom 115 studies with 1,203,839 participants and 17,458 confirmed HbSS cases, the pooled prevalence was 1.43% (95% CI: 1.08%–1.88%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.1%) and a prediction interval of 0.21%–8.91%. Central Africa showed the highest prevalence (1.99%), and Southern Africa showed the lowest (0.59%). Children exhibited a higher prevalence (1.65%) than adults (0.45%), while sex differences were non-significant (males 2.71%, females 1.74%; p = 0.694). The prevalence has remained stable over three decades despite a six-fold increase in research output, although wide prediction intervals indicated substantial between-study variability. Electrophoretic techniques predominated (86.4% of cases). Diagnostic method (χ² = 16.73, p = 0.033) and age category (χ² = 33.66, p 2 = 98.6%). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed that no single study significantly impacted the pooled estimates.
ConclusionSCA represents a substantial and geographically variable public health challenge across Africa. These findings highlight the need for region-specific interventions, expanded newborn screening programs, improved diagnostic accessibility with quality assurance for point-of-care technologies, and continued surveillance to address geographic gaps.
by Patrick Kwizera, Richard Migisha, Hannington Katumba, Esther Nabatta, Samuel Gidudu, Benon Kwesiga, Job Morukileng, Lilian Bulage, Alex Riolexus Ario
BackgroundAnthrax is a zoonotic disease that remains endemic in Uganda, particularly in cattle-keeping areas. On December 28, 2023, the first suspected human case of anthrax was detected in Amudat District. We investigated to determine the outbreak’s magnitude, identify risk factors, and recommend prevention and control measures.
MethodsWe defined a suspected cutaneous anthrax case as acute onset of ≥2 of the following: skin lesions (papule, vesicle, or eschar) on exposed areas such as the hands, forearms, shoulders, back, thighs or face, localized itching, redness, swelling, or regional lymphadenopathy, in Amudat residents from December 2023–June 2024.A confirmed case was a suspected case with PCR-positive test for Bacillus anthracis. In unmatched case-control study (1:3 ratio), we compared exposures among 40 cases and 120 controls. We identified cases through house-to-house search, medical record reviews, and snowballing among case-persons. Human and animal samples were collected and tested, alongside an environmental assessment. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify associated risk factors.
ResultsWe identified 102 cutaneous anthrax cases, including 7 confirmed cases; none died. The outbreak lasted 7 months, peaking in March 2024, with an overall attack rate of 169/100,000 (males: 196/100,000; females: 138/100,000). Use of cattle hides as bedding (OR=12; 95% CI:2.7–52) and butchering cattle carcasses (OR=6; 95% CI:1.8–19) were significantly associated with anthrax. The highest infection risk was observed among individuals with multiple exposures: butchered only (OR = 6.9, 95% CI:2.6–18), butchered and carried cattle parts (OR = 11, 95% CI:1.2–96), butchered and skinned (OR = 14, 95% CI:3.5–56), and butchered, carried, and skinned (OR = 17, 95% CI:1.6–219). No livestock had been vaccinated prior to the outbreak.
ConclusionThe outbreak was associated to use of cattle hides as bedding and the butchering of cattle carcasses. We recommended community education, livestock vaccination, and safe carcass handling to prevent future outbreaks.
FreshRSS